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Fernleaf Buckthorn

Rhamnus frangula is the botanical name of Fernleaf Buckthorn. This ferleaf buckthorn is an upright, spreading, deciduous shrub which typically grows 6-10' tall. Clusters of whitish-green flowers appear in the leaf axils in May.

Rhamnus frangula

Flowers are attractive to bees but not particularly showy. Flowers give way to green drupes (1/4" across) which turn red and finally black over the period of July to September. Glossy green leaves are quite unusual in that they have the general appearance of fern pinnae: extremely narrow (to 2.5" long but only 2" wide) with irregular margins.